Fantasy baseball analyst Tristan H. Cockcroft has identified 15 players to avoid in 2026 drafts, warning that even talented options come with significant risk. Cockcroft emphasizes that while these players shouldn't be completely crossed off draft boards, fantasy managers need to be cautious about where they select them. His analysis comes from early expert-league results and ADP data, providing valuable insight before the season begins.

Among the biggest red flags are Luis Arraez of the Giants, whose defensive limitations and playing-time concerns make him a risky pick, and Kyle Bradish of the Orioles, who's coming off Tommy John surgery just 21 months ago. Cockcroft also singles out Aroldis Chapman as a potential bust after his historically excellent 2025 season, noting that only Mariano Rivera has matched Chapman's late-career reliever performance. The analyst points to unsustainable metrics like Chapman's .200 BABIP as reasons to expect regression.

Cockcroft's list includes several high-profile names like Byron Buxton, whose injury history makes him a gamble despite his 2025 breakout, and Rafael Devers, who faces a challenging home environment in San Francisco. The analyst also highlights Roki Sasaki as a particularly disappointing investment, noting his value has plummeted from $18 to $2 in one year. For fantasy managers, Cockcroft's advice is clear: know your comfort level with each player's risk factors before committing to your 2026 roster.